The best coolers of 2026, based on hundreds of hours of testing
We stuffed 'em, dropped 'em and hauled them to the beach, lake and beyond. These picks from Rtic, Yeti and Hydro Flask led the pack.
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You know what's just as important as where you're traveling this summer? What you're going to eat and drink when you get there. Whether you're heading out on a hike, driving to the beach or lounging by the pool, the best coolers will make any trip better. After all, no one wants to sip lukewarm seltzers or snack on suspiciously warm turkey sandwiches while trying to have some outdoor fun.
In this story
Over the past year, my fellow home editors and I have tested two dozen coolers in every style and price range , from $50 insulated backpacks to the expensive hard-sided models made famous by Yeti. We spent days at Yahoo's New York City office dragging them across the floor, knocking them off shelves and cramming them with cans and ice. Once we narrowed down the pool to the top performers, we sent them to editors across the country for real-world adventures (think: boat trips, days-long camping excursions and evening picnics). The best coolers are easy to carry, have impressive capacities and, most importantly, keep food and drinks genuinely cold, so you can just chill.
Best coolers of 2026
Capacity:55 qts. | Material:Rotomolded polyethylene | Dimensions:26.35"L x 18.19"W x 15.75"H | Weight (empty):26 lbs. | Features:Two tethered drain plugs, bottle opener, dry goods net, holes for bear-resistant lock
Between this hard cooler's impressive insulation and clever features, it's a great value. It also would work for nearly any outdoor adventure and is large enough to contain food and drinks for a crowd — but not so big that it's a beast to carry.
What we liked:This cooler is comparable to the popular Yeti Tundra 45 , made with the same rotomolded plastic and rubber latches, but it costs at least $100 less. It's also much larger, able to hold 64 cans easily in our testing (though Rtic claims 60). So while, yes, you can find cheaper hard-sided options out there, we haven't tested any that are as well-insulated or durable.
Our tester, self-described outdoorsman and Senior Deals Writer, Chris McGraw , says the Rtic 45 feels like it could withstand an apocalypse. The lid uses a freezer-grade gasket and secure T-latches to trap in cold air and keep out dust. To put it to the test, he loaded the cooler with a 16-pound bag of ice and 24 drinks, then left it outside through a couple of 100-plus-degree days. He opened the lid several dozen times a day — the way you would during a typical weekend at the campsite — and after 48 hours, it still had plenty of ice. Everything inside stayed cold for three full days.
Other features McGraw got excited about? The included dry goods net and built-in bottle opener. He also appreciated how those aforementioned latches "stay out of the way," once you open the lid. "This cooler's roomy, rugged and packed with details that make a big difference out in the real world," he adds.
Minor criticisms:"The fit and finish are a bit off — excess plastic isn't trimmed, bear-proof lock holes aren't lined up completely and the foam grip handles seem like they could be a weak point," says McGraw, but we consider them fairly small issues when you consider the price of this rotomolded cooler.
- Fits even more cans than Rtic claims
- Two tethered drain plugs
- Rope and foam handles are easy to grip
- Dry goods compartment
- Built-in bottle opener
- 5-year warranty
- The bear lock holes don't line up
- Lacks bear-resistant certification
- Excess plastic isn't trimmed
Capacity:24 L | Material:Low-density polyethylene | Dimensions:7.5"D x 10.5"W x 16.93"H | Weight (empty):1.5 lbs. | Features:Insulated outer pocket, bungee cord for added storage
If budget is top of mind, you'll find the greatest options within the soft cooler category. Comfortable straps make this backpack cooler easy to tote around.
What we liked:If you're going out for more than three hours in the heat, you want to be able to carry snacks and drinks comfortably and keep them cool. Are you going to carry 24 cans at once? Probably not, but that's the brand's capacity promise, and we were able to fit about 20 in this water-resistant bag with ease.
This Titan backpack cooler is perfect for toting food and drinks for two to four people. Tester and kitchenware expert, Senior Home Writer Lisa Schweitzer , took it on a couple of hikes in Colorado, one with significant elevation gains and one without. On both days, it was easy to wear through all types of terrain.
The backpack has an insulated lining that wipes clean easily, plus an insulated outer pocket, mesh side pockets and a bungee cord for strapping towels or other essentials to the pack's exterior. When we checked the cooler in the office to see how cold drinks were after 24 hours, it was among the top contenders, clocking in at 28.6°F. Did we mention the price? It's about $50, which is $150 less than the other top-rated backpack coolers on the market.
Minor criticisms:Though Arctic Zone claims the lining is leakproof, it says the zipper is not. Our testing confirms this: The bag leaked when we flipped it upside down while it was filled with melted ice. But if you use ice packs , this isn't an issue.
- Keeps drinks and snacks cold all day
- Lighweight
- Padded back and straps
- Numerous storage pockets
- Llimited lifetime warranty
- Leaked melted ice from zipper when flipped over
- Water-repellant but not waterproof
Capacity:52 qts. | Material:Polypropylene | Dimensions:28.93"L x 18.18"W x 18.62"H | Weight (empty):30 lbs. | Features:Wheels, drain, built-in bottle opener, cargo net for dry goods
If you're specifically looking for a hard cooler , this is another Rtic winner — and it has wheels! Lightweight and agile, it proved easy to drag across all kinds of terrain, including sand.
What we liked:This cooler has a generous capacity — Rtic claims it can hold 78 cans, though we found 76 fit comfortably in our testing (still impressive). Despite its size, Senior Home Writer Kristen Granero reports it was easy to carry compared to similar options. "I wouldn't choose to carry it for long periods of time, but as someone who's 5'4", I was able to lift it in and out of the trunk of my SUV easily, as well as to carry it up and down a full flight of steps and through my apartment and onto my deck without having to take any breaks."
She also loved the wheels, which she says are "larger and more rugged than the standard. I was able to move it easily, not only on cement and the boardwalk, but also through sand at the beach." Everything felt sturdy enough that she used the cooler as an impromptu seat while she was at a kid's baseball game. The insulation is substantial: During our office testing, we left the cooler filled with ice and room-temperature canned drinks for 24 hours and came back to find that the ice was about one-third melted, better than most.
Minor criticisms:This cooler has silicone T-latches on the lid, which are not the easiest to operate. You've got to put some effort into opening and closing this cooler. The good news is that in our "drop test," the latches didn't open, and the only "injuries" the container suffered were scuffed corners.
- Relatively lightweight
- Wheels glide over a variety of terrain
- Keeps contents cold and some ice intact for days
- Ample space for food and drink
- Drain plug is helpful for getting rid of melted ice
- Silicone latches require muscle to open and close
Capacity:13 L | Material:Coated vinyl | Dimensions:13.4"W x 14.6"H x 10.6"D | Weight (empty):4 lbs. | Features:Zippered pocket, flat lid, removable shoulder strap
OK, so clearly Rtic has won our hearts. When you need insulation but don't want the bulk of a hard cooler, this soft cooler does the job, and then some.
What we liked:The Rtic Ultra-Tough soft cooler has a generous capacity — in our office testing, we were able to squeeze in 22 cans, so more than the brand promises. After letting the ice in the cooler melt, we flipped it upside down and found it fairly leakproof, aside from a few errant drops of water.
Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity , who tested this cooler in the field, says, "I live in New York City, so I don't necessarily have space for a big, hard-sided cooler. The Rtic got me through summer, and I love that it doesn't take up a ton of space in the offseason."
In the office, we filled each soft cooler halfway with ice and a layer of room-temperature cans of different drinks. After 24 hours, we took the interior temperature of the cooler — the Rtic clocked in at 29°F, one of the lower (i.e., better) readings. Garrity found its ice retention impressive: "I schlepped it to Central Park for picnics with friends, used it to keep drinks cold at cookouts in our courtyard, and even brought it along on road trips to the lake. It looks just like its competitors (you know the ones). Seriously, my friend thought it was a Yeti!"
Minor criticisms:The zipper on this cooler doesn't glide smoothly, so it can be difficult to open and close. "Sure, it's rugged and all, but it takes some elbow grease to actually zip it closed," explains Garrity. "It often got stuck, but I was able to zip/unzip with extra force." Make sure to use the included zipper lubricant to help move things along.
- Fits two more cans than the brand promises
- Keeps food and drinks impressively cold
- Easily wipes clean in seconds
- Waterproof — designed to float!
- The zipper is tough to use
- Wasn't completely leakproof in our testing
Capacity:20 L | Material:Polyester | Dimensions:17.14"W x 18.32"H x 8.27"D | Weight (empty):2.6 lbs. | Features:Padded back and shoulder straps, molded base, sternum strap, carry handles
Hydro Flask is known for its insulated products (and, in fact, the brand makes our best water bottle ), so we had high hopes for this backpack cooler. Not only was it the sleekest we tested, but it was also one of the most comfortable to wear.
What we liked:"It's incredibly easy to carry," raves Yahoo Editor Janelle Randazza , who tested this bag in the field. "Even though this backpack is a bit clunkier than the Rtic I've had for nearly a decade, I might prefer it." Plus, like most of the coolers we tested, you can easily wipe it clean.
Hydro Flask says this waterproof pack can fit 36 cans without ice; in our office testing, it fit more like 30. But we still found its capacity generous, with room for plenty of food and drinks and even a wine bottle or two. There's a helpful mesh side pocket for keys or a phone, and grab handles on the top, so you can tote it around even if you don't want to wear it.
To check temperature retention, we filled each backpack cooler about half full of ice, then added a layer of cans. Although this bag didn't stay quite as cold as some of our other picks, we still saw chunks of ice when we opened it after 24 hours. We checked back four days later, and though the ice had melted, the interior temperature was slightly cooler than most competitors'. For what it's worth, the brand claims the bag will keep things cold for 36 hours. It also proved genuinely leakproof when we flipped it upside down after the ice melted. There are no grooves or crevices to worry about, either, so you can easily rinse it with a hose.
Minor criticisms:We tested this pack in the black color, which became quite hot on sunny days. Also, the closure is a seal-style (toothless) zipper, which can be hard to open. Read more in our full Hydro Flask Day Escape Cooler Backpack review .
- Durable construction
- Sturdy toothless zip closure
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Chest strap helps keep weight evenly distributed
- Leakproof
- Darker colors attract heat and are hotter to carry
- Zip top requires two hands to open
Capacity:48 qts. | Material:Rotomolded plastic | Dimensions:19.8"L x 20.1"W x 20.6"H | Weight (empty):28 lbs. | Features:Wheels, drain plug, dry goods basket, telescoping handle
Our favorite hard cooler from Rtic, listed above, also has wheels, but if you need something larger or more rugged, this souped-up Yeti is your pick. Yes, it's very expensive, but the heavy-duty wheels and top-of-the-line telescoping handle make it incredibly easy to haul over any terrain. It's everything you expect a high-end Yeti product to be.
What we liked:The Yeti Roadie performed very well in our in-office testing — after 24 hours filled with ice and cans, the interior temperature measured 25.6 °F, one of the lowest we clocked. When we knocked the Yeti off a high shelf, one of its latches popped open, but the cooler lid cover remained securely closed. Like the other hard coolers we tested, this one sustained minor scuffs.
The Roadie's shape is more vertical than that of traditional hard coolers, and it's deep enough to hold an upright bottle of wine or a 2-liter soda bottle. Another plus? There are built-in handles on the sides, handy when loading it into and out of a car. I used this cooler throughout last summer and found it spacious — maybe too much so. Frankly, it was way too big for my spouse and me. It did, however, come in handy as a drinks station on my patio when I hosted a group for a cookout. It's so sturdy, it feels like a piece of machinery!
Minor criticisms:Because it's so deep, I had a hard time cleaning crumbs from the bottom; the drain plug also isn't tethered. There's no denying this cooler is an investment at $425, but if you know you'll use it frequently and you're looking for a spacious cooler, it's worth it.
- Smooth telescoping handle
- Excellent temperature rentention
- Easy-to-use latches
- Glides like a premium rolling suticase
- 5-year warranty
- Expensive
- Drain plug is not tethered to the cooler
- Bulky
Capacity:65 qts. | Material:Rotomolded plastic | Dimensions:31.25"L x 17.25"W x 18"H | Weight (empty):35 lbs. | Features:Drain, accessory pocket, bear-resistant certification, divider
Camping trips require a certain kind of cooler: compact enough to fit in your car, light enough to tote to your site and durable enough to withstand constant exposure to the elements. This one has the bonus of being certified by the IGBC (Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee), though you do need to add a lock as well.
What we liked:This cooler holds a heck of a lot — we clocked 84 cans in our test of the 55-quart model. We left the drinks, along with ice, in the cooler for five days, then took the interior temperature. It was on par with our top Rtic pick, and although this cooler is more expensive (and lacks wheels), it comes with a lifetime warranty, making it a smart choice for outdoor adventures where you don't want to worry about damage.
Our tester, Senior Operations Analyst Annie Villacis, offered this assessment of the Canyon cooler's maneuverability: "When empty, it's very easy for anyone to carry. The handles allow some slack, making carrying easier. They're also extremely durable. When the cooler was full, I needed help, but it was no problem with two people!"
The cooler has slots for a divider that can also attach to the side as a small table. When Villacis put the included divider in place in the 55-quart model, she was able to fit one bag of ice, 40 cans, eight water bottles and sandwiches — and there was still room for more. She found cleaning it very manageable: "The cooler is wipeable, and the drainage hole was useful when emptying liquids."
Minor criticisms:The drain plug is not tethered to the cooler, so it can be hard to keep track of. In our "drop" test, the lid popped open when the cooler was pushed off a top shelf. That said, Villacis liked the latches and had no issues with them opening accidentally.
- Rubberized latches
- Rugged construction
- Generous capacity
- Grippy handles
- Lifetime warranty
- Drain plug is not tethered to the cooler
- Lid popped open when we performed a drop test
Capacity:32 qts. | Material:Rotomolded plastic | Dimensions:25.6"L x 15.9"W x 15.5"D | Weight (empty):24.6 lbs. | Features:Drain, bear-resistant certification, dry goods basket
This Yeti model costs a lot, but it'll last you. It's the platonic ideal of a rotomolded cooler, and one of the brand's signature products for good reason.
What we liked:McGraw has owned the Tundra 45 for years, bringing it on climbing and fishing trips and even checking it as luggage. He says it has survived it all with nary a scratch. Executive Editor Nicole Sforza also tried this model and called it "a beast" due to its heft, capacity and durability. "This thing is very sturdy, and the rubber 'feet' on the bottom kept it secure even when it rained," she adds. "Full disclosure: It was outside all winter, and it's holding up fantastically."
In testing, this was one of the top performers for ice retention. After 24 hours, most of the ice was still intact, and the contents measured a chilly 25.2°F, beaten only by the Canyon cooler above. McGraw relies on this cooler often: "The Yeti Tundra 45 is the one I reach for the most; it's the perfect size for a weekend camping trip with the family or for keeping drinks cold at a backyard barbecue with friends."
Minor criticisms:About that "45" in the name — it refers to the model number, not the quart capacity. In practice, the Tundra 45 holds about 32 quarts. Yeti claims it can fit 54 cans, but in testing, it was more like 53. It's also hard to ignore the steep price, though certain colors occasionally go on sale.
- Survived our drop test with only minor scuffs
- Excellent ice retention
- Grippy handles
- Wipes clean easily
- 5-year warranty
- Pricey
- Heavy for its size
- Drain plug is not tethered
Factors to consider when choosing a cooler
You'll want to ask yourself a few questions when buying a cooler, including:
✓ How will you use it?If you're putting the cooler in the car and only carrying it a short way, capacity is probably more important than portability. If you need to haul the cooler to a campsite or lakeside for a picnic, you may want to choose one with wheels or a backpack cooler with sturdy, cushioned straps. Make sure the cooler is large enough to accommodate not just food and drinks for your crew but also ice or ice packs.
✓ Does it keep the contents cold?These coolers all kept at least some amount of ice from melting for 24 hours, and the contents stayed cool for even longer. Different brands offer varying levels and types of insulation, with polyurethane foam, like what Yeti uses, one of the most effective for hard-sided coolers. Even the various types of plastic can affect how well a cooler insulates, with rotomolded plastic (a plastic mold heated and spun to form a single, seamless shell) being the gold standard. Rotomolded coolers have no weak points, better insulation and more durability than your average cooler. For soft coolers, look for closed-cell foam insulation.
✓ Is it easy to carry and use?If you're going to load up a large cooler with ice, cans and food, it should be easy to carry and not too heavy before you fill it. Hard coolers with features like handles and burly wheels can make it easier to traverse uneven terrain or navigate parking lots. Soft coolers with adjustable straps can help balance the load — look for both top handles and shoulder straps, with padded straps and welded seams for durability. If you use a cooler for parties, a built-in bottle opener is helpful, or one that's deep enough for wine bottles.
How we test coolers
I'm Yahoo's lead home and garden editor, and my team and I conducted two levels of testing, one in the office and one in the wild. To start, we unboxed the coolers in our office and inspected their design, closures and insulation. We then put them through the following:
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Can jam test:If a cooler is described as having the capacity for 64 cans, does it truly hold 64 cans when the average person is packing them in? To check whether each brand's promised capacity was accurate, we counted the number of cans we were able to fit comfortably in the cooler without ice.
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Mr. Frosty test:How long does it take ice to melt, and, once melted, how cold do the cans stay? We filled each cooler about halfway with fresh ice cubes, then a layer of room-temperature cans of different beverages. Using an infrared thermometer, we measured the temperature inside each cooler after 24 hours and again after five days. Only the coolers with the best ice retention and the ability to keep the cans the coldest over time made it to the next step.
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Drop off test (hard coolers):We placed each hard cooler on the top shelf of a storage unit, about 5 feet from the floor, and then knocked it off two times to see how it fared when it hit the ground. We assessed the damage: Did the lid pop open? Did it sustain scuffs and scratches, and if so, how bad were they?
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Splash zone test (soft coolers):Once the ice had melted in the soft coolers, we flipped them upside down and shook them to see if they leaked.
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Great outdoors test:We then moved the top performers to field testing. For this, we asked Yahoo's staff of shopping editors and writers, who live all over the country, to use the coolers in various ways at least a few times over several months. They filled out a rubric with their thoughts, commenting on how easy each cooler was to carry, how well it kept its contents cold, how difficult the cleanup was, how durable the cooler was and how easy it was to open and close.
Other coolers we tested
In total, we tested about two dozen coolers, so the eight here are just the tip of the iceberg. For more options within each category, and to see how popular brands like Igloo, Coleman, Engel and Ninja stacked up, check out our guides to the best hard coolers , best soft coolers and best backpack coolers .
Cooler FAQs
What cooler stays cold the longest?
According to our testing, the Yeti Tundra 45 , Rtic Ultra-Tough 45 Quart , Engel 60-Quart Ultra-Light and Ninja FrostVault 45 Quart had the best temperature retention (as in, they demonstrated the lowest interior temperatures after five days of holding ice and cans) in the hard cooler category.
For soft coolers, the Rtic Soft Pack 20 Can , Coleman 30 Can and Polar Bear Original Nylon stayed the coldest. If you're wondering why some of these models aren't included in this story, it's because while they retained temperature well, they may have had durability or other performance issues.
What coolers are just as good as Yeti?
Many people consider Yeti the gold standard for coolers, and we don't disagree. But they are pricey, so if you're looking for similar products that cost less, we recommend Rtic.
Update, June 22, 2026: We confirmed prices and availability for all products. Our No. 1 pick for the best cooler remains unchanged.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
